AlgebraWORD PROBLEMSIf we let Bob’s age be represented by the symbol B and Joe’s age by the symbol J, this becomesB = J + 30 yearsExamples:Equations:1. The total electrical output of one nuclear facility is 200 megawatts morethan that of another nuclear facility.Let L be the output of the larger facility and S the capacity of the smaller facility.The statement above written in equation form becomes L = 200MW+ S.2. The flow in one branch of a piping system is one-third that in the otherbranch.If B is the flow in the branch with more flow, and b is the flow in the smallerbranch, this statement becomes the equation .b13B3. A man is three times as old as his son was four years ago.Let M = man’s age and S = son’s age. Then M = 3 (S-4).4. A car travels in one hour 40 miles less than twice as far as it travels in thenext hour.Let x1 be the distance it travels the first hour and x2 the distance it travels thesecond then, x1 = (2) (x2) -40.StepsforSolvingAlgebraicWordProblemsAlgebraic word problems can involve any number of unknowns, and they can require any numberof equations to solve. However, regardless of the number of unknowns or equations involved,the basic approach to solving these problems is the same. First, condense the availableinformation into algebraic equations, and, second, solve the equations. The most straightforwardtype of algebraic word problems are those that require only one equation to solve. Theseproblems are solved using five basic steps.Step 1. Let some letter, such as x, represent one of the unknowns.Rev. 0 Page 43 MA-02
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